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New York City Area Beaches

It's easy to make your own beach escape from New York City

By , About.com Guide

11. Coopers Beach - Long Island

Located on Long Island's South Shore, Coopers Beach can often be seen on "Best Beach" lists.

Beach Address: Cooper Neck Rd. Southampton, NY 11968 631-283-6011
Parking permit required in summer season

12. Jones Beach State Park - Long Island

One of the most famous New York area beaches, Jones Beach has six-miles of ocean beach and a Boardwalk. Just about all the beach amenities you'd want are available, including lockers, chairs, a swimming pool, as well as mini-golf, shuffleboard and more. The Jones Beach amphitheater hosts concerts throughout the summer.

Beach Address: Ocean Parkway Wantagh, NY 11793 (516)785-1600
Directions to Beach from NYC:
Parking fees:
$8-10/day

13. Long Beach - Long Island

This beach is a personal favorite of mine. There is ample free parking along the beach and it's easily accessible by train. There is a $12 charge to access the beach for adults and children 13 and over, but Boardwalk access is free and in my opinion, the clean beach and soft sand are well worth the price.

Train to Long Beach: Long Island Railroad to Long Beach Station

14. Main Beach - Long Island

This East Hampton beach often makes "Best Beach" lists making it very popular. Non-resident permits are not easy to come by, so make sure to apply early in the season if you want to spend time at Main Beach.

Beach Address: Ocean Avenue, East Hampton, NY 11937 (631)283-601

15. Robert Moses State Park - Long Island

Long Island Babylon, NY 11072 (631) 669-0470
Hours: Open Year-Round, Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: 48 miles from Manhattan, via Southern State Parkway to Robert Moses Causeway (exit 40), south to Park at western end of Fire Island

16. Orient Beach State Park

Orient, NY 11957 (631) 323-2440
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Swimming season opens in late June and continues to early September.
Directions: 118 miles from Manhattan on the north shore via Long Island Expressway (Route 495) east to the end, then Route 25 east to the Park.

17. Wildwood State Park

North Wading River Road Wading River, NY 11792 (631) 929-4314 Directions: 73 miles from Manhattan. Long Island Expressway to exit 68. North on Route 46, to Route 25A east. Left onto Sound Avenue - left at traffic light onto Hulse Landing Road. Park entrance is on the right.

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